Arizona Cardinals: Five players poised for increased roles in 2017

Evan Boehm

Coming out of the 2016 NFL draft, the fourth-round lineman from Missouri was touted as a solid mid-round pick with starter potential. However, like most first-year players during Coach Bruce Arians’ tenure, Boehm struggled to see playing time through much of his rookie campaign.

Due to a combination of patience, hard work, injuries, and lackluster play by some of his peers, Boehm was called into service late in his rookie season. Though he played guard instead of his natural position of center, Boehm performed well enough to garner praise from Arians, who suggested that Boehm could compete for a starting role in 2017.

With guard Evan Mathis likely retiring, it would appear that the starting spot at right guard is the path of least resistance for Boehm.

If Boehm does earn that coveted starting position, it is still uncertain whether it will be at center or right guard. The competition at center is stiff, as Arians has been a fan of center A.Q. Shipley since their time together with the Indianapolis Colts. Moreover, Shipley grades favorably as a starting center.

With guard Evan Mathis likely retiring, it would appear that the starting spot at right guard is the path of least resistance for Boehm.

Prediction: Boehm does not do enough to become the unquestioned starter at right guard in 2017, but between injuries and the churning that often occurs on the offensive line, he does enough to start at least eight games at guard and/or center.